A number of community pharmacies in North Wales are to start using automated 24-hour prescription lockers using funding from the Welsh Government.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced on Tuesday March 8 that a Boots store in Abergele was “among the first in the region” to launch the prescription collection service, which sees patients register to receive a unique PIN code by text message that allows them to pick up their medicines from a locker outside the store.

Fferyllwyr Llyn pharmacies in Dwyfor have also introduced the service, which the health board said will be launched at “a number of other pharmacies in the near future”.

The lockers have been “funded with support from the Welsh Government,” the health board added.

Boots area manager for North East and Mid Wales David Eaves said the Abergele team were “delighted to be able to provide an automated locker service”.

He said the lockers will offer patients who sign up for the service “the convenience to pick up their prescriptions whenever they choose to – any time of the day or night, seven days a week”.

The Abergele store is the first Boots branch in the UK to install an automated prescription locker that can be accessed from the street.

Adam Mackridge, community pharmacy strategy lead at the health board, said: “This is a great example of how community pharmacies are expanding the range of services available and the ease at which people can access them.

“This sort of innovation not only provides more convenience for patients, but helps to free up staff in the pharmacy to help patients with their health problems.

“We’re encouraging more people with minor illnesses or conditions to take advantage of the free, expert advice provided at their local community pharmacy, which can usually be accessed more quickly than other services.

“All pharmacies in North Wales are currently able to provide free expert advice and guidance on treating common conditions and their symptoms, often without the need for an appointment, offering a quick and convenient alternative to seeking support from a GP surgery.”